Washington – The United States commended on Sunday His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s role in furthering stability, security, and prosperity in the region.

In a press release issued on the occasion of the Sovereign’s 24th anniversary of ascending to the throne of His glorious ancestors, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed his best wishes and congratulations to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan people on behalf of the US government and citizens.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to His Majesty the King and to the Moroccan people on the Throne Day, and we thank you for being one of our oldest and closest friends”, he added.

Blinken emphasized that the U.S. and Morocco’s “deep and abiding” connection remains “a pillar of peace and stability for our two countries and the region.”

“We commend King Mohammed VI for his role in furthering regional stability, security, and prosperity as well as advancing our shared interests”, he said, stating that Rabat and Washington have a deep and historic relationship that “continues to benefit the people of both our countries”.

Read also: Throne Day: HM the King’s Speech Reaffirms Morocco’s Consistent Stance on Palestinian Issue – Palestinian Academician

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The American State Department’s Matthew Miller reiterated the country’s steadfast support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara during a press conference in Washington on Tuesday.

Miller stressed that the U.S. had already adopted this position in December 2020 and that there has been no change since then in response to questions regarding Israel’s recent recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty.

Miller made it very apparent that there is no place for doubt or change in the U.S. government’s position that the Moroccan Sahara is an essential component of Morocco.

There is nothing more to say, he claimed, other than to note that the United States took this action in December 2020 and that nothing has changed since then.

In the meantime, we wholeheartedly support Staffan de Mistura’s efforts as the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy to find a just and long-lasting political settlement to the Western Sahara conflict.

During the press conference that followed the meeting between Israeli President Isaac Herzog and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, a reporter’s query prompted the spokesperson to respond.

This meeting took place after Israel formally acknowledged Morocco’s complete sovereignty over its southern provinces and announced its desire to establish a consulate in Dakhla.

Miller said he is not currently keeping track of the development of the idea to open a U.S. consulate in Dakhla, which has been delayed.

The restart of relations between Morocco and Israel, he pointed out, has been a definite good development, and the United States is still working to widen the circle of peace partners.

Read Also: His Majesty the King: Israel’s Decision to Recognize Kingdom’s Sovereignty over its Sahara and to Favorably Consider Opening a Consulate in Dakhla Is ‘Both Just and Far-Sighted’

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As part of the 19th iteration of the “African Lion” exercise, aircraft from the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and the US Armed Forces performed airdrop maneuvers at the Benguerir military installation on Saturday.

Aircraft from the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and the US Armed Forces carried out a series of mass airdrop operations on the drop zone after the airdrop of a batch of military equipment that had been conditioned by Moroccan and American executives at the Kenitra air base, with the execution, once the aircraft had landed, of a ground maneuver intended to carry out the assigned mission.

In order to strengthen operational interoperability and encourage joint action, paratroopers from the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and the US Armed Forces conducted an airdrop exercise as part of the 19th iteration of the “African Lion” exercise, according to Major Mohamed El Kouiti of the 2nd Parachute Infantry Brigade at the Benguerir military base.

El Kouiti added that during this collaborative airdrop operation, military officers from both armies engaged in a tactical drill to show off their proficiency in a variety of cooperative exercises.

The combined joint operation, which included 240 Moroccan and American paratroopers, provided the training, according to Lieutenant-Colonel John Staeheli, Battalion Commander of U.S. Forces Africa’s Southern Europe Task Force (SETAF). He said that in the modern battlefield, “we need to fight and win” together.

He reaffirmed that the US Army is dedicated to “maintaining strong relationships with our allies and partners” and mentioned Morocco as one of our oldest and closest allies. He continued, “Friendship between the two nations dates back to the very proclamation of the United States.”

In a statement, Staeheli stressed that the African Lion exercise is an example of the long-standing security partnership between the United States of America and Morocco. He also stated that he is more certain than ever that “we are stronger when we are together.”

The primary goals of these exercises are to enhance the force projection capabilities of the Royal Armed Forces and the US Forces by coordinating tactical, technical, and logistical operations from planning to execution in the field.

This entails, among other things, establishing a joint operational center to keep track of the different circumstances and airborne maneuvers, combining efforts, especially in terms of air and medical logistics, performing combined load conditioning and splitting the airborne echelon and its complement, and coordinating strategies for grounding and maneuvering on the ground.

The Royal Armed Forces and the U.S. Armed Forces jointly organize the exercise “African Lion” every year.

“African Lion 2023,” which runs through June 16 in seven regions of Morocco, including Agadir, Tan-Tan, Mehbes, Tiznit, Kénitra, Benguérir, and Tifnit, continues to be an annual event that strengthens military cooperation between Morocco and the United States and strengthens interactions between armed forces of various nations with the goal of promoting security and stability in the region.

Read Also: Morocco strengthens its military capabilities by acquiring the world’s smallest reconnaissance aircraft, the Black Hornet 3

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On a forthcoming journey to the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, Jill Biden will support youth and female empowerment and attend Jordan’s royal wedding.

The first lady was slated to leave on a six-day tour to Egypt, Morocco, and Portugal on Wednesday. The Associated Press was originally informed by her office of some information.

As first lady, Biden will make her first trip to the Middle East. In February, she visited Namibia and Kenya.

The first lady, according to Vanessa Valdivia, her spokesperson, “believes that supporting youth across the globe is critical to our common future, with education, health, and empowerment at the heart of it.”

“The first lady will continue to build on her work to empower young people with her visit to the Middle East and North Africa,” Valdivia said in an email. “We commit to strengthening our partnerships and advancing our shared priorities in the region.”

Jill Biden will interact with women and young people in Egypt and Morocco while highlighting American investments that promote educational initiatives and attempts to broaden access to the labor market.

Read Also: U.S commends HM the King’s ‘Crucial Voice’ in Promoting Regional Peace and a ‘Secure and Prosperous’ Future for Israelis and Palestinians

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Today marked the formal start of the 19th iteration of the African Lion maneuvers in Morocco. Over 8,000 soldiers from 20 countries on the continent and overseas, as well as observers from 27 other countries, are taking part in the largest military exercise of its kind ever held in Africa.

According to the United States Africa Command, the African Lion maneuvers involving Moroccan and American soldiers will take place in the Mahbas region of the desert from May through next June.

The African lion exercise will also be held in the nation’s other areas, including Agadir, TanTan, Tiznit, Kenitra, Benguerir, and Tifnit, according to the MAP.

The joint Moroccan-American exercise involves a variety of joint armed operations for ground, airborne, maritime, aviation, and special forces, as well as formations pertinent to several operating locations.

The exercise this year involves combined arms live fire drills with American F-16 Fighting Falcons, KC-135 Stratotankers, and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

According to a statement published by the General Command of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces in April, the exercise also entails civil-military activities for the removal of radioactive, biological, chemical, and nuclear contamination.

A strong illustration of Moroccan and American military cooperation is the African Lion. The two countries decided on a ten-year road map for the area of military defense on October 2, 2020.

Cooperation between Morocco and the United States aims to raise military preparedness, proficiency, and force interoperability.

In addition, Morocco intends to promote cooperation by encouraging joint ventures to engage in the country’s military sector.

The combined exercise aims to strengthen interoperability during crises and operations to strengthen security and stability in the region. It also aims to improve defense capabilities and coordination to counter transnational threats and violent extremist groups.

The African Lion manoeuvres, in which both European and African countries participate, were started in 2007 by Morocco and the US. The joint workout happens once a year, though perhaps more than once.

Other countries, such as Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, host the African Lion exercise.

Read Also: WHO Director General Hails Morocco’s Efforts to Achieve Universal Health Coverage

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The annual “Select USA” investment summit, which was held from May 1–4 in the Washington, D.C., region and aimed to promote foreign investment in the United States, featured a delegation of Moroccan businesses operating in a variety of industries.

The US Chamber of Commerce and the Commercial Service of the US Embassy in Rabat coordinated the Moroccan participation, which provided an opportunity to learn about offers and facilities at the local, federal, and national levels as well as business and investment opportunities, according to Rabia El Alama, director of the US Chamber of Commerce.

Participants from several countries, including specialists and government officials, as well as representatives of US states, attended the event, which took place at the National Harbor in Maryland.

The role of women in technology and innovation was one of the themes of this year’s edition. On this occasion, Morocco offered a proposal in the area of application development via the firm “OCP Maintenance Solutions,” which was represented by Sara Khadim. Along with delegates from Canada, Israel, and Ukraine, the Moroccan candidate has advanced to the competition’s finals at this summit.

The director of the US Chamber of Commerce emphasized the significance of Morocco’s involvement by pointing out that the international expansion is no longer a choice but a necessity and that the US market is one of the most lucrative and alluring locations in the world.

Read Also: UAE and Morocco pledge to double trade and investment exchange

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Mike Rogers, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services, led a delegation from the US Congress that hailed King Mohammed VI’s pledge to further peace, prosperity, and security in the area and around the world on Wednesday in Rabat.

After meeting with Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Rogers gave a press conference during which he expressed his “deep gratitude to King Mohammed VI for his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Morocco as well as for His role in promoting peace, prosperity, and security in the region and the world.”

He continued that these discussions provided an opportunity to emphasize the Kingdom’s critical position as the United States’ partner on a variety of security-related matters. Rogers brought up the impending iteration of African Lion, the biggest American military exercise in Africa, which Morocco has been hosting for almost two decades.

He emphasized that this kind of exercise is “essential for the preparation and interoperability of our armed forces, as we work together to address common security challenges” and that it will once again bring thousands of American soldiers to the Kingdom to train alongside their Moroccan counterparts.

The Republican lawmaker also praised the improvement in Moroccan-Israeli relations, stating that “these relations are already generating new opportunities for peace and prosperity.” Rabat and Washington’s friendship “will only get stronger in the years to come,” he said.

Representative Sara Jacobs, a Democrat, emphasized the “progress made in the implementation of reforms initiated in the Kingdom under the leadership of King Mohammed VI over the past 20 years.”

She declared, “Morocco is a close ally of the United States,” reiterating their shared commitment to preserving peace, prosperity, and security in the area and around the world.

Abdeltif Loudyi, the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of the National Defense Administration, met with the American group earlier in the day.

Read Also: King: Arab Financial Institutions called upon to strengthen mechanisms of integration among Member States

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The statements made by Michele Sison, the U.S. secretary of state for international organizations, sent a clear message about Morocco’s contribution to world peace and security. On the one hand, the United States greatly appreciates The Kingdom’s pioneering work to bring about stability and security in North Africa and the Middle East.

The kingdom has, on the other hand, demonstrated excellent cooperation with UN organizations by housing the offices of at least 21 UN organizations, which in and of itself is evidence of the kingdom’s fundamental role as a regional leader and its dedication to multilateral diplomacy.

The Biden administration’s full gratitude for the kingdom’s support of UN peacekeeping operations worldwide was something Michele Sison wished to convey. Sison expressed her joy at being in Morocco, one of America’s closest and most enduring allies.

The positive and fruitful discussions Michele Sison had with Minister Nasser Bourita regarding the dedication of Morocco and the United States to upholding peace and security were also welcomed. In this regard, Sison reaffirmed American support for the autonomy proposal as a serious and practical means of resolving the Moroccan Sahara conflict.

These statements need to be understood in their diplomatic context. The trip itself serves as a celebration of the past, present, and future of close cooperation, a strategic alliance, and unwavering secular friendship and serves as a reminder that the two nations have always stood on opposing sides of history. Whether it be the struggle against the scourge of terrorism, the Cold War, the Second World War, or the promotion of peace and security in the Middle East.

In this specific situation, it is important to keep in mind King Mohammed VI’s remarkable work to advance peace and security in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as the crucial part the kingdom played in UN peacekeeping operations around the globe. The American official reaffirmed that this stance is a part of a long-standing alliance that has continued to solidify in numerous fields.

When one reads these positions in the context of a new diplomatic crisis with a partner who presents himself as a Moroccan strategist, one is in fact brought back to behaviors that are as unrelated to friendly relations as they are influenced by a superior colonial logic.

Indeed, it is the friendly state and a true strategic partner that established Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara, breaking with the shady situation that France is trying to exploit for its own interests today. At times it has moved closer to Algeria, at others it has tried to woo Rabat…But it seems that Morocco’s decisive stance on the need to take clear positions on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara has put that country to a difficult test of its ambiguity.

Read Also:U.S. Reiterates Support for Autonomy Plan As Serious, Credible and Realistic Solution

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Seven members of the US congressional delegation, including members of the Democratic and Republican parties, highlighted Friday in Rabat the Kingdom’s ongoing regional leadership in favor of peace in North Africa and throughout Africa under the wise leadership of HM King Mohammed VI.

Following discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad Nasser Bourita, Oklahoma Republican Senator James Lankford stated, “Our interest in the days ahead is to continue to work for peace in this region, given Morocco’s continued leadership in North Africa and across Africa as a whole.”

Mr. Lankford praised the more than 200-year-old friendship between Morocco and the United States of America and emphasized that his nation was eager to deepen these ties in the years to come.

In a similar vein, the senator stated that the delegation’s visit will give him the opportunity to meet with Moroccan officials and gain their better knowledge in order to forge long-lasting friendships.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Senator from Nevada, Jacky Rosen, said the purpose of this visit is to examine ways to strengthen peace and prosperity in the region with the help of Morocco, expressing the willingness of the United States to deepen and consolidate the partnership with the Kingdom.

The delegation from the American Congress had a discussion about the special ties between Morocco and the United States on Friday with the head of state, Aziz Akhannouch, based on a strong, ambitious, and multifaceted partnership.

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